Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $150,000)
The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office proposes to use their FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to expand its Witness Relocation and Protection Program. Due to increasing fear of retaliation from gangs and other criminal elements, witnesses to major crimes in Essex County are becoming increasingly unwilling to cooperate with police officials and prosecutors. Violent crime is a serious problem in Essex County. The funding would allow the office to provide extended assistance to at least 1200 victims and witnesses of gangs and drug related crime, homicide, aggravated, assault, domestic violence, sexual assault, and robbery. The victims and witnesses will receive temporary and transitional housing assistance, permanent relocation assistance, mental health and social service assistance, and educational assistance.
NCA/NCF